Most of the members of the Amaryllidaceae Plant Family or the Onion Plant Family are rather stinky!
Here are some of the members of the onion family:
Veggies:Â Garlic, leeks, onions, scallions and shallots
Herbs:Â Chives
Flowers: Â Alliums, amaryllis & agapanthus
Similarities: The onion family tolerates chilly temperatures which means that the annuals (like garlic) can be planted when it is cooler or the perennial plants (like chives) will start appearing in the spring. This family is very low maintenance to grow. You eat the green stems of chives, you can also eat the stem/leaves of the other veggie members of the onion family.  You do have to be careful so you leave enough green growth on top to allow the bulb to properly form. Of course, the bulb of the veggie family members is edible too!
Differences: While garlic, leeks, onion and shallots have a long growing season, scallions mature faster.  Chives and Egyptian onions are perennial plants, but the rest of the veggies in the onion family are annuals.   Garlic and shallots are typically grown from cloves. While onions can be grown from sets (immature bulbs), shallots and onions can also be grown from seeds.  Garlic is ready to be harvested when the bottom half of the leaves die out and turn brown, but onions and shallots are ready when their green tops flop over. Except for scallions, the bulb part of the onion family needs to be cured which helps for storing.
If you missed my article on the Nightshade Plant Family, just click on the link.
